Husband and wife team Chris and Sarah Bilbra of Cleveland will open their craft butcher shop and deli in Ooltewah’s Cambridge Square neighborhood on Thursday with an open house celebration from 4-7 p.m. Spek is at 9469 Bradmore Lane in Ooltewah.
Spek Artisan Meats will specialize in whole animal butchery using animals raised on small farm pastures located within a 150-mile radius from their boutique shop. The Bilbra’s also operate Neema Farms in Cleveland and have personal relationships with the region’s farming community that will be helping to source their proteins.
"The opening of Spek Artisan Meats has been highly anticipated,” said Jim Cheney who handles marketing and leasing for Cambridge Square. “The Bilbras have been working very hard to design their space and prepare for customers seeking a butcher shop with locally sourced proteins and other delicious deli items. We encourage people to come and check them out at their opening celebration later this week.”
In addition to their selection of take home meats and other Artisan goods, the Bilbra’s will be offering a deli menu for eat-in and take-out patrons. Selections will include freshly made sandwiches, salads, sausages, cheeses, and assorted vegetables.
The shop’s design will mirror that of traditional butcheries where patrons are encouraged to interact with the proprietors and visit frequently to find out what’s new to the display cases.